DAC choices -- help me cross the line


My current DAC is Cambridge Audio Azur 851D driving the two channel speaker system in the study. My headphone system consists of a Bluesound Node 2i feeding into a Quicksilver headphone amp. The plan is to put the CA DAC in the headphone chain and sell the Node, so this means I have to purchase a new DAC for the 2 channel system in the study. Here's what the 2 channel system looks like ...
opticalRendu >> CA Azur 851D (to be replaced) >> Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum 2 >> Harbeth P3esr

So what am I looking for? Heft, holographic, a bit of warmth, big organic sound, tonal richness. I don't mind sacrificing a bit of neutrality or accuracy. I listen to all kinds of music but am partial to jazz, vocals, classic rock. 

I almost pulled the trigger on a Mytek Brooklyn DAC+ but wanted to take the R2R DACs for a spin just for kicks. I was initially interested in the MHDT Pagoda or Orchid, but their no-return policy is a no go for me. I know some people don't mind, but I really don't want to give my business to a company who doesn't trust its own products.

So this leads me to three final contenders -- AudioMirror Tubadour iii SE, Tubadour iii (regular/non-SE) and the Border Patrol DAC. Really interested in hearing from someone who might have heard at least one of the two, or better yet compared the Audiomirror to one of the MHDT DACs.

Now Audiomirror offers two versions of the Tubadour III -- SE and non-SE, with the SE being a $1000 costlier. Wondering if the sonic improvements are worth the higher $$$ in the SE version. Would love to hear from someone who has had a chance to compare the two.

Also wondering how the Tubadour III regular version compares to MHDT Pagoda. Both are around the same price.

Note: If are going to suggest another DAC, I don't mind. But please make sure it's R2R, < $2500 (used or new), has a return policy, and NOT made in China.

128x128arafiq
I enjoy my Audio Mirror Tubadour III very much! It replaced the decent Metrum Onyx, with no regrets.

A vairiable to keep in mind with the Tubadour, SE version or not, is the ability to tailor the sound using a pair of any flavor in the 6DJ8/6922/7308 family of tubes.  It takes to tube rolling very well if you are looking for a diff sound from Vlad's stock tubes (2 pairs of 5977 subminiature tubes, configured as one pair).

@pastorbob, agree with your assessment 100%; btw the reviewer is Terry London (not "English", lol). Are you using the 5977s?
Hi 1Mark,
Whoops, yes Terry London of course, my face is red. Thanks!
He is a well respected reviewer.
If you look at the DAC's he has had for review it is amazing he has chosen the Tubadour III as a reference!

Yes, I am using the 5977's.
I am sure I will eventually get the urge to tube roll as I did with my microZotl.

My "go to" guy for tubes is Andy as Vintage Tube Services.
What is your tube rolling experiences with the AM Tub?

@pastorbob, we can take the tube rolling conversation offline, since I don't want to hijack this @arafiq thread, but I seem to end up going back to a pair of Philips Miniwatt SQ E188CC tubes from Holland.

I had the pleasure of hearing Teajay's systems last year, and we had a great time at his place. I learned that his tastes are quite similiar to mine, so he is a great audio reference point for me when he reviews new gear. However, I got my Audio Mirror T3 SE quite a bit before he got his in house. That reminds me... I need to head over there at some point soon!
Apologies @arafiq.
No intention of hijacking your thread.
1Mark I'll be in touch.